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    AI that can control your computer

    Boeing machinists reject latest offer, US finalises 'open banking' rules to boost competition, Deutsche Bank reports a record Q3 profit, and AI start-up Anthropic builds a virtual agent for computers.

    1
    enOctober 24, 2024
    FT News Briefing

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    In this insightful episode of the FT News Briefing, we dive into several pressing topics, including Boeing's ongoing strike, the introduction of open banking regulations in the US, Deutsche Bank's mixed earnings report, and the groundbreaking AI advancements by the startup Anthropic. Here's a summary of the key points and discussions from the podcast.

    Boeing Workers Reject New Offer

    • Boeing machinists have voted to reject the company’s recent offer, prolonging the strike that has lasted nearly six weeks.
    • The rejected deal included a 35% pay raise over four years and enhanced retirement benefits, but workers demanded a 40% raise and the reinstatement of a defined benefit pension plan.
    • This setback poses a significant challenge for Boeing's new CEO, especially after the company reported a staggering $6 billion loss in the previous quarter.

    Introduction of Open Banking Rules in the US

    • The US government has introduced new open banking regulations, intended to simplify how consumers can share their financial data with third-party applications like Venmo and PayPal.
    • These rules, nearly a decade in the making, aim to create a secure framework for sharing financial information, including transaction histories and account balances.
    • Key Insights on Open Banking Regulations:
      • With clearer guidelines, customers should find it easier to switch banks and manage their finances more flexibly.
      • The regulations face opposition from big banks, which have initiated legal actions against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), arguing that these changes could threaten customer data security.
    • There are concerns about whether the banks' lawsuit may hinder the implementation of these vital reforms aimed at increasing competition in the banking sector.

    Deutsche Bank's Earnings Report

    • Deutsche Bank has reported record profits for the last quarter, primarily driven by strong performances in trading and investment advisory services.
    • However, the bank warned of anticipated higher loan losses on the horizon, citing issues related to commercial real estate and larger corporate defaults.
    • The CFO projected that these challenges may resolve in the following year, offering a somewhat positive forward-looking outlook amid the current difficulties.

    Anthropic's AI Virtual Agent

    • Anthropic has unveiled an ambitious new feature in its AI model, Claude, which enables it to perform tasks directly on users' computers, offering functionalities like scheduling appointments and filling out forms.
    • This technology represents a significant milestone in AI, evolving towards more capable virtual assistants that could take over routine and tedious tasks.
      • Core Features of Claude:
        • Control over mouse and keyboard to perform various tasks.
        • Ability to browse the internet for research.
        • Scheduling calendar appointments and transferring data between documents.
    • This introduction positions Claude at the forefront of AI-driven personal assistants, promising less mundane workload for users in managing their daily tasks.

    The Potential Risks and Human-Like AI Development

    • While the convenience of having AI manage our tasks is appealing, there are notable risks involved. Mistakes, such as erroneous flight bookings, could lead to significant issues.
    • Christina Crittle, the technology correspondent, compares the current capabilities of AI to self-driving cars, emphasizing that human oversight will remain crucial for the foreseeable future.
    • As AI continues to advance towards what is termed Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—an intelligence comparable to human capability—concerns about control and safety start to emerge more prominently.

    Conclusion

    This podcast episode highlights major developments in industries ranging from aviation to banking, and technology, providing a comprehensive overview of current trends and challenges. The introduction of advanced AI capabilities like those demonstrated by Anthropic reflects a rapidly evolving landscape, raising questions about the implications of AI's role in our lives and the need for careful consideration of its risks. Stay tuned for future episodes to keep abreast of these dynamic discussions impacting our world.

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